Matt Walbeck Named New Manager

The Rome Braves announce that Matt Walbeck has been named field manager for the 2011 season. Last year, Walbeck managed the Altoona Curve and won the Eastern League championship. He was also named the Eastern League Manager of the Year. "We welcome Matt to the Braves and Rome and look forward to him guiding our team," says Rome Braves General Manager Michael Dunn.

Walbeck is a former Major League catcher who played from 1993 to 2003 for teams such as the Cubs, Twins, Tigers, and Angels. After his retirement in 2003, the Tigers offered him the field manager position at their Class A affiliate, the West Michigan Whitecaps. In his first year he guided the Whitecaps to the Midwest League title. Baseball America named him the 2007 Minor League Manager of the Year, covering all of the minor leagues.

Additional awards include the 2006 Midwest League Manager of the Year, and Baseball America's "Best Tools" Manager in 2005 and 2006. Walbeck served as the Texas Rangers third base coach in 2007 before joining the Pittsburgh Pirates organization as a minor league manager in 2008. "We are excited to have Matt joining our Rome staff," says Atlanta Braves Director of Player Development Kurt Kemp. "He has a track record of success as a manager and we look forward to him helping our young players develop in Rome."

Walbeck along with the new 2011 Rome Braves field staff will be on hand for the Ninth Annual Hot Stove Gathering on Monday January 31st from 5:00pm until 7:30pm at the Forum. Major League Baseball & Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro will highlight a group of special guests for the evening.

Rome opens the 2011 season at home against the Hagerstown Suns on Thursday April 7 at 7pm. For season ticket information as well as six and twelve pack ticket plans call the ticket office at 706-378-5144